For security purposes, you should always protect your Mac with a strong login password. If you suspect that a colleague or a family member has learned your password, or if you simply want to adhere to a regular security rotation schedule, you can easily change your local user account password directly from the macOS settings menu. Because macOS enforces strict security, you will be required to know your current password before you are permitted to set a new one.
How to Change Your Password in System Settings
Changing your local login password is a simple process, provided you are currently logged into the account you wish to modify.
- Click the Apple Logo in the top-left corner of your screen.
- Select System Settings from the dropdown menu (or “System Preferences” on older macOS versions).
- In the left-hand sidebar menu, scroll down and click on Users & Groups.
- Locate your user account name in the list (it should have “Current User” beneath it).
- Click the small Information (i) button next to your name, or click directly on the account name depending on your macOS version.
- Look for the section labeled Password and click the Change Password… button next to it.
A secure popup dialog will appear. First, you must type your Old Password into the top field to prove your identity. Then, carefully type your desired New Password into the second field, and type it again in the Verify field to confirm you did not make any typos.
Setting a Useful Password Hint
At the bottom of the password change dialog, there is an optional field labeled Password Hint. While it is optional, it is highly recommended that you fill it out.
If you type your new password incorrectly three times on the lock screen, macOS will display this hint to help you remember. However, do not make the hint too obvious. Never type your actual password or write something easily guessable like “My dog’s name.” Write a cryptic phrase that only makes sense to you. Once you have filled out the hint, click the Change Password button to finalize the process.
Updating Your Keychain Password
Under normal circumstances, when you change your login password via the Users & Groups menu, macOS automatically updates your default Login Keychain to match the new password. This ensures that when you log in, your saved safari passwords and Wi-Fi networks unlock automatically.
However, if your Mac is bound to a corporate network or you changed the password through the Terminal, the keychain might fall out of sync. If you log in and are immediately bombarded with popups asking for your “local items keychain password,” you must manually open the Keychain Access app (found in Applications > Utilities). Right-click the “login” keychain on the left side, select Change Password for Keychain “login”, and update it to match your new account password.